The 10 Most Interesting Facts about Dubai

Dubai is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and world-class attractions. In this blog post, we will explore the 10 most interesting facts about this city that you probably didn’t know.

1. The Tallest Building in the World is in Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall. It has 163 floors and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

2. Dubai is Home to the Largest Shopping Mall in the World

The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall globally, covering an area of 1.1 million square meters. It features over 1,200 shops, an aquarium, a theme park, and an Olympic-sized ice rink.

3. Dubai has the Only 7-Star Hotel in the World

The Burj Al Arab is the only 7-star hotel globally and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. It features private butlers, gold-plated iPads, and a helipad on the roof.

4. Ninety Percent of Dubai’s Population are Expats

Dubai is a multicultural city that attracts people from all over the world. As of 2021, over 90% of Dubai’s population are expats, and only 10% are Emirati citizens.

5. Dubai’s Police Fleet Includes Luxury Cars

Dubai’s police fleet includes luxury cars such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys to help them get around in style.

6. Dubai has Artificial Islands Shaped like a World Map

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island located in Dubai and is shaped like a palm tree. The World Islands is another project that is a collection of artificial islands shaped like a world map.

7. Dubai is Building the First Underwater Hotel in the Middle East

The Water Discus Hotel is an underwater hotel being built in Dubai and is set to be the first of its kind in the Middle East.

8. Dubai has No Addresses

Dubai does not have a traditional address system, meaning that people provide directions using landmarks instead.

9. Dubai has a Ski Resort in a Desert

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located inside the Mall of the Emirates and is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.

10. Dubai is Home to the Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system and is located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. It can shoot water up to 150 meters (490 feet) high and has 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors.

In conclusion, Dubai is a city that never fails to amaze with its innovative projects, luxurious lifestyle, and world-class attractions.

The Insider’s Guide to Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives and excess, filled with jaw-dropping architecture, opulent shopping malls, luxury hotels, and adrenaline-fueled activities. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there are many hidden corners and cultural treasures to discover. Here are some must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most of your time in Dubai.

Local Attractions

Dubai is home to some of the most impressive landmarks in the world, and no trip to the city is complete without visiting these iconic attractions:

– Burj Khalifa: The world’s tallest building, soaring 828 meters high, offers stunning views of the city from its observation decks. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

– Dubai Mall: One of the largest shopping centers in the world, this mall is more than just a place to shop. It is also home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a giant ice rink, an indoor theme park, and countless dining options.

– Palm Jumeirah: A man-made island shaped like a palm tree, Palm Jumeirah is a marvel of engineering and design. You can take a monorail ride to see the fronds and the Atlantis resort at the edge of the crescent.

– Dubai Miracle Garden: This floral wonderland is the world’s largest flower garden, with over 45 million flowers in intricate designs and shapes. It only opens from November to May when the weather is cooler.

– Dubai Creek: A traditional part of Dubai, the Creek is a historic waterway where you can take a dhow boat ride, see the traditional souks, and watch the dhows being loaded and unloaded.

Dining Spots

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and you can find a wide range of cuisine from around the world. Here are some of the best dining spots in Dubai:

– Zuma: A popular Japanese restaurant in downtown Dubai, Zuma serves sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes in a sleek and modern setting.

– Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe: This spot serves up Emirati cuisine in a traditional setting, with dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings).

– La Serre: A French restaurant in downtown Dubai, La Serre offers classic dishes like steak frites and roasted chicken, as well as pastries and bread from its bakery next door.

– Asado: A steakhouse located in the Palace Downtown hotel, Asado serves up Argentinean-style grilled meats and seafood with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.

– Opa: A Mediterranean restaurant with Greek influences, Opa has a lively atmosphere with Greek music and plate-smashing. Try the saganaki (flaming cheese) and the lamb chops.

Cultural Experiences

Dubai may be a modern and cosmopolitan city, but it also has a rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some ways to experience Dubai’s culture:

– Dubai Museum: Located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Museum displays the city’s history and culture through artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia exhibits.

– Jumeirah Mosque: The only mosque in Dubai that is open to non-Muslim visitors, Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours to learn about Islamic customs and beliefs.

– Dubai Opera: A stunning venue for performing arts, Dubai Opera hosts a variety of events, from opera and ballet to concerts and comedy shows.

– Bastakiya: One of the oldest neighborhoods in Dubai, Bastakiya has narrow streets, wind towers, and traditional architecture. You can stroll through the area and visit art galleries and cafes.

– Dubai Heritage Village: Located in the Shindagha district, Dubai Heritage Village offers a glimpse into traditional life in Dubai, with Bedouin tents, falaj irrigation systems, and traditional crafts.

Local History

Dubai’s history goes back thousands of years, from its roots as a pearl-diving and trading center to its rapid modernization in the past few decades. Here are some places to learn about Dubai’s history:

– Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: This center offers programs and tours to promote cultural understanding and awareness of Emirati customs and traditions.

– Dubai Frame: A new attraction in Dubai, the Dubai Frame is a 150-meter-high tower that frames views of old and new Dubai from its observation deck.

– Dubai Heritage and Diving Village: This site showcases traditional Bedouin life and the history of pearl diving in Dubai, with demonstrations of fishing techniques and boat building.

– Alserkal Avenue: An arts district housed in former warehouses, Alserkal Avenue has galleries, cafes, and cultural spaces that host exhibitions and events.

– Hatta Heritage Village: A small enclave in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta Heritage Village is a living museum of traditional Emirati life, with stone houses, a mosque, and a falaj irrigation system.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

If you want to see a different side of Dubai, try these off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Dubai Design District (d3): A creative hub that showcases regional talent in architecture, fashion, and design, d3 has galleries, studios, and incubators.

– Dubai Miracle Museum: A quirky museum that showcases unusual and fascinating items, from the world’s largest pinball machine to shrunken heads and dinosaur fossils.

– Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: A wetland reserve on the outskirts of Dubai, Ras Al Khor is a haven for migratory birds, including pink flamingos, herons, and eagles.

– Dubai Butterfly Garden: Another floral attraction, Dubai Butterfly Garden is home to over 15,000 colorful butterflies from around the world.

– Dubai Kartdrome: For adrenaline junkies, Dubai Kartdrome offers karting and racing experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Dubai may be a city of superlatives, but it also has a lot of heart and soul. By exploring its local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you can discover the many facets of this fascinating city.